wecastonlineCheers erupted in the heart of Harare as Gabriel Ota, donning a costume reminiscent of a popular Japanese action game character, took center stage at this year’s Otakukon festival. Ota, a 28-year-old art dealer and musician, channeled Jin Sakai, the sword-wielding protagonist from Ghost of Tsushima. With a costume crafted from recycled cardboard and paper, Ota spent an entire month perfecting his detailed Samurai outfit. His hard work paid off as the 100-strong crowd showered him with the loudest applause, earning him the title of “Best Anime” cosplay.
Otakukon, Zimbabwe’s only festival dedicated to celebrating Japanese pop culture, continues to grow in popularity, attracting local “Otaku”—fans of anime, comics, and video games. The festival serves as a vibrant hub for cosplay, giving enthusiasts like Ota a platform to showcase their creativity and passion.
“This is my first time winning,” Ota shared, still elated from his victory. “I don’t do it to win, I just love cosplaying.” His dedication to his craft is a testament to the deep love and commitment many fans have for this art form. For many attendees, Otakukon is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of the culture they cherish.
While anime culture is steadily growing in Zimbabwe, the community remains relatively small, making it challenging for local cosplayers to reach international stages. Festival director Archie Moyo, a long-time anime merchandise seller, believes there’s untapped potential. “If we are able to reach more people, we can make a major impact with our event,” Moyo stated. His goal is to expand the festival and further cultivate the Otaku community within Zimbabwe.
As unemployment and economic struggles continue to affect Zimbabwe’s youth, Otakukon offers more than just entertainment—it provides a creative outlet and a space to imagine new realities. For many, it’s a much-needed escape and a chance to express themselves in ways that might otherwise be out of reach.
Local comic book artist Bill Masuku sees an opportunity not just to celebrate global stories but to tell uniquely African ones. Masuku plans to write comic books in the Shona dialect, underscoring the importance of preserving and promoting African narratives. “For us to tell stories ourselves gives it an authenticity that no one else can tell,” Masuku explained.
Otakukon may still be small, but it represents the burgeoning creativity and passion of Zimbabwe’s anime and cosplay community. With continued support and expansion, it has the potential to become a major event on the continent, allowing young Zimbabweans to connect with their love for Japanese culture while also embracing and telling their own stories.
